To honor students for their academic achievements, Marion County High School held its annual Awards
Night program on May 17, 2012, in the school gymnasium. Students were honored for excelling in the classroom
and for earning placement at region, state, and national levels in academic contests. During the evening, 119
students from all four classes were recognized individually with more than 360 awards of recognition presented.
These recognitions included scholarship offers with a total value of approximately $2,541,664.
The evening began with a welcome by Principal Glenn Tidwell and followed by the processional of the
Class of 2012. Senior Class President Elisabeth Dixon led the moment of silence. Student Council President Julia
Dixon then led all in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Special guests included Mr. Jonathan Scott, Admissions Counselor from Georgia Southwestern State
University; Sgt. First Class Brian Baucom from the U.S. Army; Sergeant Cliff Barner from the U.S. Marines; and
Mr. and Mrs. Ransom Briggs, representing the Gardner-Thornton Memorial Scholarship Foundation.
The Partners in Education play an important part in the life of the school through various types of donations
as well as advice given when needed. Those partners recognized with a special plaque were Tyson Foods, Michelle
Sealy and Vickie Austin (South Georgia Technical College), LTC Darrell Greene (181st Armored Brigade, Fort
Benning), Randy McCorkle (Ameris Bank), and Tony and Jan Whitley (Partner’s Propane).
Mrs. Melissa Jernigan organized the program and served as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. She
began by recognizing the Junior Marshals and Ushers, whose names were listed in the program, and asking them to
stand. These included: Hayley Belden and Austin Mitchell (Marshals), Taylor Barrett, Caleb Chapman, Forrest
Crowder, Carly Davis, Rachel Dixon
Justice Fedd, Anna Hall, Gabrielle King, Yvonne Lam, Austin Law, DeMarquez Mallard, Jake McTaggart
Perla McVey, Emmy Medders, Nicole Saunders, James Taylor, Jennifer Tosado, and Jeremy Welch.
9th Grade Recipients
Aisha Ansley
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Kailah Benford
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Sarah Berlanga
• Honors program
Antonio Bridges
• FFA Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day—3rd Place—compass use
DeAndra Colbert
• FBLA Region Competition—3rd place—Emerging business issues
Rebecca Dixon
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Sarah Dixon
• Honors program
• FBLA region competition—4th place—Business presentation
• Student Council Member—9th Grade Class President 2011, 10th Grade Class President 2012
Jessica Guerra
• Honors program
Thomas Hadley
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Pablo Herrera
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Highest academic average—Math I
• 2nd Highest academic average overall for 9th grade—98.50
Kege King
Paul Lim
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Honors program
Student Council Member—9th Grade Representative 2011, 10th Grade Representative 2012
• Honors program
Kristian Martinez
• Honors program
Bryson Murray
• Honors program
Autumn Preston
• Honors program
• FBLA Region Competiton—4th place—Business presentation
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
John Will Rigdon
• Honors program
Melanie Rigsby
• Honors program
• Andrew College Academic Comp—1st Place, 9th grade math
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Highest Academic Average—English 9, Math I, Biology, World History, Band, Old and New
Testament
• Highest academic average overall for 9th grade—99.40
Jeremie Rudd
• Honors program
Beau Singleton
• Honors program
Sonny Singleton
• Honors program
Andrea Tyler
• Honors program
• Student Council Secretary 2012
Kassidy Walls
• Honors program
Joseph Ward
• Honors program
Gray Wells
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Georgia Movie Academy—2nd runner up—short film
Chad Williams
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Chelsey Williams
• Honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
10th Grade Recipients
Tommy Callow
Shelby Carter
Elijah Dixon
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Honors program
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Honors program
UGA Janfest Honor Band participant
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Honors program
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Jacob Dixon
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Chantoria Fluellen
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Jada Gardner
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Joseph Garrett
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Tyler Grimsley
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Shavon Harris
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Gaebreal Isaacs
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Brantley Jernigan
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Michael Jernigan
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Kashara Lamar
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Justin Maxwell
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Sharin McCullough
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Samantha Mitchell
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Kayla Morrison
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Courtney Murray
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Student Council Member—10th Grade Class Representative 2011, 11th Grade Class
Representative 2012
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Honors program
4-H DPA 3rd in Computer resources
Georgia Movie Academy—2nd runner up—short film
Student Council Member—10th Grade Class President 2011, 11th Grade Class President 2012
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Honors program
Columbus Regional Medical Center Youth Volunteer
Honors program
Student Council At-Large Representative 2012
Top Female PE Student
Honors program
Honors program
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Honors program
2nd Place—Plains Art Contest
Honors program
FBLA Region competition—3rd in Emerging Business Issues
Accepted to the University of Georgia Terry Business College’s summer residential program
Honors program
District 3 Honor Band
UGA Janfest Honor Band
Highest Academic Average--Band
Columbus Regional Medical Center Youth Volunteer
Straight A Honor Roll Award
CSU STEM Honors Program
Honors program
Straight A Honor Roll Award
National Healthcare Foundation Skills Assessment—Certificate of Proficiency
Honors program
Honors program
District 3 Honor Band
Honors program
UGA Janfest Honor Band
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Highest Academic Average—English 10, Physical Science
Daniel Peacock
Dustin Pickren
Dylan Price
Rosalyn Rease
Shelby Smith
Hunter Waller
Amber Waters
A.J. Wells
James Wiggins
Nicole Williams
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Second Highest academic average overall for 10th grade—98.54
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Honors program
Highest Academic Average—Commercial Arts
Region Literary Competition—4th Place—Essay
First runner up—Georgia Movie Academy short film
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Honors program
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Honors program
Straight A Honor Roll Award
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Honors program
Columbus Regional Medical Center Youth Volunteer
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Highest Academic Average—U.S. History
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District 3 Honor Band
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FFA—3rd Place Forest Management at the Perry Area Forestry Field Day
FFA—1st Place Quiz Bowl Team at Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day
FFA—Area 3 Forestry Field Day—3rd Place Forest Management Team
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Honors program
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Honors program
4-H DPA 1st place—Sports Equipment & Environment—will compete at State Congress this
summer
FBLA Region Competition—2nd Place Impromptu Speaking
Georgia Movie Academy—2nd runner up—short film
Straight A Honor Roll Award
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Honors program
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Hanna Wodzinski
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Honors program
District 3 Honor Band
Straight A Honor Roll Award
Student Council—Secretary 2011, Vice President 2012
CSU STEM Honors Program
Highest Academic Average—English 10, Math II, Spanish
Highest academic average overall for 10th grade—98.62
Highest Academic Average—Food, Nutrition, and Wellness
11th Grade Recipients
Denzel Baker
Taylor Barrett
Hayley Belden
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Honors program
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Pathway Certification—Agriculture Mechanics
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Governor’s Honors Nominee—Mathematics—State Alternate
National Society of High School Scholars
UGA Certificate of Merit
Straight A Honor Roll Award
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Highest Academic Average—Math III, Physics, English 11, Agriculture
Highest Academic Average overall for 11th grade—97.55
Caleb Chapman
• FFA—4th Place—Reforestation—Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day
• FFA—1st Place—Quiz Bowl Team—Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day
• FFA—Area 3 Leadership Award—Runner Up—Chapter Treasurer’s Book
• FFA—Area 3 Forestry Field Day—3rd Place--Reforestation
Forrest Crowder
• Honors program
• FFA Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day—4th Place—Sawtimber Volume Estimation
• FFA Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day—1st Place Quiz Bowl Team
• FFA Area 3 Forestry Field Day—4th Place—Sawtimber Volume Estimation
• Highest Academic Average--Chemistry
Carly Davis
• UGA Certificate of Merit
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Rachel Dixon
• Honors program
• UGA Certificate of Merit
• LEDA Scholars Finalist
• Carter G. Woodson Enduring Legacy Award
• Flint Energies Washington Youth Tour Delegate
• Student Council Member—11th Grade Class Representative 2011, 12th Grade Class
Representative 2012
Layne Gray
• Honors program
Anna Hall
• UGA Certificate of Merit
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Student Council Member—11th Grade Class President 2011, 12th Grade Class President 2012
• Gold Medal—FCCLA Region II Star Events—Life Events Planning
• Gold Medal—FCCLA State Star Events
• Wendy’s Heisman Nominee
• Top Score—Georgia High School Writing Test
• Highest Academic Average—Economics, AP Government
• Second highest academic average overall for 11th grade-96.52
Gabrielle King
• Honors program
• Region FBLA competition—1st place Business Ethics
• Student Council At-Large Representative 2011
Yvonne Lam
• Honors program
Austin Law
• Honors program
• Andrew College Academic Competition—3rd place, 11th grade math
Demarquez Mallard
• Honors program
Perla McVey
• Honors program
Emmy Medders
• Honors program
• Student Council Member—Vice President 2011, President 2012
• FCCLA Region 2 Leadership Board Member
Austin Mitchell
• Honors program
• 4-H DPA 4th place Sports Science
• Wendy’s Heisman Nominee
Saiquan Rembert
• Honors program
Jennifer Tosado
• Honors program
• District 3 Honor Band
• Highest Academic Average--Band
Justin Tyler
• Pathway Certification—Agriculture Mechanics
Jeremy Welch
• Pathway Certification—Forest Products and Processing
Devin Wilson
• Honors program
12th Grade Recipients
Rick Bentley
• U.S. Marines--$83,448
Austin Blankenship
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Christopher Brown
• FFA—3rd Place Forest Mgmt—Perry Forestry Field Day
• FFA—1st Place quiz Bowl team—Pine Mountain Forestry Field day
• FFA area 3 Forestry Field Day—3rd Place—Forest Management Team
• Pathway Certification—Agriculture Mechanics
Tori Campbell
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Highest Academic Average—Healthcare Science
• National Healthcare Foundation Skills Assessment—Certificate of Proficiency
Ashley Crimes
• FBLA Region Competition—1st place, Business Ethics
Khadijah Gray
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Jessica Gutierrez
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Katelyn Harris
• Honors program
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Oglethorpe University Lanier Scholarship--$28,000
• Brenau University Faculty Excellence Scholarship--$63,200
• Summer 2011 participant—National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine
• FBLA Region Competition—3rd place, Emerging Business Issues
• GSW Wheatley Leadership Scholarship--$6,000
Dylan Highnote
• Pathway Certification—Agriculture Mechanics
Jocquaile Johnson
• FVSU Football Scholarship--$27,280
Wayne Johnson
• Savannah State University Athletic Scholarship--$50,216
Haley Lewis
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Darren Luhm
• U.S. Army--$83,448
Ashly Mangham
• U.S. Marines--$83,448
Emily Parrish
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Shil Patel
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Devin Sheffield
• U.S. Army--$83,448
Kelsey Statham
• National Society of High School Scholars
Janae Terry
• Highest Academic Average—Early Childhood Education
Ashley Turner
• FBLA Region Competition—1st place, Desktop Publishing
• FBLA State Competition—3rd Place—American Enterprise Project
• Who’s Who in FBLA for Region 6 and Outstanding Member Scholarship ($500)
Desmine Wilson
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• UGA Janfest Honor Band
HONOR GRADUATE RECOGNITIONS
Mr. Tidwell placed a gold honor stole, the symbol of academic achievement, on each Honor Graduate. Beta
Club members received Beta cords at the same time.
The Honor Graduates also recognized their Golden Apple teachers. All teachers play an important role in the
lives of students, but students rarely have an opportunity to honor those teachers. Golden Apple teachers (noted in
parentheses next to their corresponding honor graduate) received a trophy and a narrative written by their student.
Brooke Lane (Sherry McAllister)
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
Brandi Norvell (Amy Starr)
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
Cedric Crawford (Cassandra Porter)
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
Brittany Wilkins (Evelyn Hart)
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• UGA Janfest Honor Band
Lindsay Robinson (Sandra McGlaun)
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Gabriel Jones (Willie Williams)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• U.S. Marines Distinguished Athlete Award
• ABW Dooley Award Nominee
• Young Harris Faculty Scholarship--$44,000
• Reinhardt University Achievement Award--$16,000
• Gardner-Thornton Athletic Scholarship--$1,000
Anslee Wodzinski (Monty Howard)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Student Council 12th Grade Class Representative 2011
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• Joint enrolled with Columbus Technical College
• L. King Moss Memorial Scholarship--$500
Mic Miller (Willie Williams)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Student Council At-Large Representative 2011
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Social Science
Connor McCorkle (Leigh Medders)
• Senior Beta Club
• Senior Superlative
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Member of 2nd place team at GSW Math Competition
• Mercer University Academic Scholarship--$68,000
• King’s College Presidential and Leadership Scholarships--$52,000
• GSW Wheatley Leadership Scholarship--$6,000
Ann Brink (Sue Dews)
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• District 3 Honor Band
• UGA Janfest Honor Band
• Young Harris Dean’s Scholarship--$48,000
Chase French (David Chapman)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• First runner up—Georgia Movie Academy short film
Ryan Gosnell (Evelyn Hart)
• Honors program
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Language Arts
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• FBLA Region competition—1st place in desktop publishing
• FBLA State competition—3rd place—American Enterprise Project
• Microsoft Office Specialist Certification
• Member of 2nd place team at GSW math competition
• Columbus Regional Medical Center Youth Volunteer
Dylan Hudson (Dolly Hooks)
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
Elisabeth Dixon (Loranda Holmes)
• Honors program
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Journalism
• Student Council Member—12th Grade Class President 2011
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• Region Literary Competition—4th Place—Extemporaneous Speaking
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Member of 2nd place team at GSW Math Competition
• Brenau University Achievement Scholarship--$36,000
• Regions Bank “Riding Forward” Essay Scholarship--$5,000
• Rho Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship
Kasha Hartage (Dolly Hooks)
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• ABW Dooley Award Nominee
Deangelo Mathis (Willie Williams)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Mathematics
• Top Male PE Student
• U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete
• U.S. Army--$83,448
Cindy Huynh (Cassandra Porter)
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Member of 2nd place team at GSW math competition
Madison Von Neumann (Tracy Elliott)
• Honors program
• Accel—GSW
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Science
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• 2nd Place team—GSW math competition
• Highest Academic Average—Math IV
• U.S. Marines Science Achievement Award
Dara Burns (Teresa Banks)
• Honors program
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Citizenship
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• Member of 2nd place team—GSW math competition
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Oglethorpe University Oxford Scholarship--$52,000
• Brenau Trustee Scholarship--$49,000
• Highest Academic Average—AP Calculus
Christina Murray (Kay Edmunds)
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Music
• Georgia Work Ready—Gold Certificate
• District 3 Honor Band
• Member of 2nd place team—GSW math competition
• Selected as part of CSU honors program
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• U.S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Music Award
• Highest Academic Average—Business Education
• Kathy Christopher Band Scholarship--$250
• GSW Wheatley Leadership Scholarship--$6,000
Dillon Lane (David Chapman)
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Athletics
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
Miguel Herrera (Joey Wells)
• Senior Superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—Career Tech
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• FFA Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day—1st Place—Land Measurement
• FFA Pine Mountain Forestry Field Day—1st Place Quiz Bowl Team
• FFA Area 3 Forestry Field Day—3rd Place—Land Measurement
• U.S. Marines Scholastic Excellence Award
• Highest Academic Average—Commercial Arts
• First runner up—Georgia Movie Academy short film
• Second Highest Academic Average Overall for 12th grade—97.29
• Salutatorian
Julia Dixon (Becky Brewer)
• Honors program
• Senior superlative
• Senior Beta Club
• Citizenship Seal
• HOPE Scholar Candidate
• Columbus Ledger-Enquirer Page One Nominee—General Scholarship
• Page One Runner-Up--$300
• Straight A Honor Roll Award
• Student Council President 2011
• 1st place region FBLA—Job interview
• Region Literary Competition—2nd Place—Dramatic Interpretation
• FBLA—6th in State for Job Interview; 9th in State for Business Procedures
• Smith College “Women of Distinction” Program
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1st place Muscogee County Friends of Libraries Essay Contest--$100
U.S. Army Scholar-Athlete
Member of 2nd place team—GSW Math competition
Andrew College math tournament—2nd place—12th grade math
Ron Brown CAPtains program participant
Brenau Trustee Scholarship--$49,000
St. John’s University Scholastic Excellence Scholarship--$76,000
Clemson University Scholarship Package--$80,000
Oglethorpe Presidential Scholarship--$68,000
Full Scholarship from Vanderbilt University worth $245,632 over 4 years
Full Scholarship from University of Pennsylvania worth $240,000 over 4 years
Yale University Scholarship worth $231,400 over 4 years
Rho Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship
Gamma Psi Foundation of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity Scholarship--$4,000
Gardner-Thornton Athletic Scholarship--$1,000
Receiving cords for 4-H and the National Society of High School Scholars
Highest Academic Average—AP Calculus, Anatomy, English 12
Highest academic average overall for 12th grade—98.66
STAR Student and Valedictorian
The Principal’s Awards have long been a special part of the awards program. The following awards were
presented. Next to the students’ names are comments made by their nominating teachers.
Melanie Rigsby
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Chantoria Fluellen
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Layne Gray
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James Taylor
Christina Murray
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9th Grade
Quick wit and keen intellect
Never complains about the amount of work
The tougher the class is, the more she appreciates it!
10th Grade
Always willing to help
Even when she is not asked, she finds ways to be productive and helpful
Sets a great example for her peers
Challenges herself by being involved and active while maintaining good grades
11th Grade
Friendly, pleasant, and hardworking
Kind to others, from students and teachers to visitors
Wonderful and helpful representative of our school
All-around good student
Respectful to teachers and peers
Makes good grades while excelling in sports
Always smiling
12th Grade
Dedicated, self-motivated and hardworking
Helpful to her peers and teachers—always asks what else she can do
Excels academically
Has worked hard in the FBLA coffee shop this year and is first chair flute in band
Eighth grade teacher Mrs. Sandy Goodroe was presented with the “Outstanding Educator” Award
for her hard work in increasing Reading, Writing, and Language Arts Scores.
In addition to the presentation of the prestigious STAR Student and Teacher Award from Congressman
Sanford Bishop. This year, the award was presented by Superintendent McCorkle, Principal Tidwell, and
Field Representative for Sanford Bishop—Mrs. Elaine Gillispie to STAR Student Julia Dixon and STAR
Teacher Karrie Reno. Julia Dixon was then announced as the school’s “Most Outstanding Student.”
Principal Tidwell then addressed the Senior class, reminding them to persevere when times were hard. He closed
the program by thanking those who had made the program possible, including FCCLA, FFA, and FBLA (Advisors
Megan Scott, Joey Wells, and Sherry McAllister) for the Senior Reception and other faculty members who assisted
in various parts of the program.
The program ended with the recessional of the Class of 2012.
Description of Awards:
4-H: This is a national youth organization that offers leadership development opportunities on a local, region, state,
and national level by emphasizing “head, heart, hands, and health.” Students can specialize in one or more projects
during the time they spend in the club. By winning at the State level, students achieve Master 4-H’er status, which is a
lifetime membership and the most prestigious award a 4-H’er can attain. The 4-H motto is, “To make the best better.”
Academic Competition: This competition’s purpose is to prepare students for other academic competitions and to
challenge them in the areas of science, social studies, art, and essay-writing. Students competed in each grade level
against students from similarly-sized schools.
Academic Scholarships: Many students were offered scholarships by the specific colleges to which they applied. Many
of these scholarship offers were based on information provided in their applications, such as grades, extracurricular
activities, and SAT/ACT scores.
Band: Members of the MCHS band were nominated for several honor bands, including the, UGA Janfest Honor Band,
District 3 Symphonic Band, and District 3 Honor Orchestra.
Carter G. Woodson Enduring Legacy Award: This award is given by Berea College to a student who is committed to
the college’s principles of to academic excellence, service and interracial education. Berea College was the first school
in the South to admit students of every race and both genders on an equal basis.
Citizenship Seal: This opportunity serves to promote community service and to recognize students for their effort.
Students may add the seal to the diploma by carrying out a minimum number of community service hours during their
high school career.
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer PAGE ONE Award: This award recognizes students and teachers for outstanding
achievements. The nominees in the various categories complete an extensive nomination form and then participate in
an interview process. This year’s nominees and their parents were invited to a special awards program at the River
Center in Columbus.
Eric Gardner-Thornton Memorial Athletic Scholarship: This very special scholarship was founded in 1996 by Mr. and
Mrs. Ransom Briggs. The scholarship is given each year in memory of Eric Gardner and Eric Thornton who died
tragically in a drowning accident. They were both students and athletes in our school system. Mr. and Mrs. Briggs’
continued passion and commitment for this scholarship is deeply appreciated. Two of these scholarships are awarded
this year in the amount of $1000 each.
FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America): FBLA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO)
sponsored by the Business Education programs in high schools and is an integral part of the Business Education
curriculum. Members gain leadership skills through local, state and national opportunities. They apply the skills
gained in class to competitive events projects. MCHS FBLA is a region, state and national award winning organization.
FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America): FCCLA is a national Career and Technical Student
Organization (CTSO) sponsored by the Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) programs in high schools and is an
integral part of the FACS curriculum. Members gain leadership skills through local, state and national opportunities.
They apply the skills gained in class to competitive events projects. MCHS FCCLA has a long history of region, state
and national award winners and state officers. This year’s state officer will receive honor cords.
FFA (Future Farmers of America): FFA is a national Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) sponsored
by the Agricultural Education programs in high schools and is an integral part of the Agricultural Education
curriculum. Members gain leadership and practical skills through local, state, and national opportunities. They apply
the skills gained in class to competitive events projects. MCHS FFA has a reputation for excellence on a region and
state level.
Georgia Accel Program: The purpose of this program is to provide Georgia High School students with the opportunity
to earn college degree-level credit hours as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements. This
program offers the option to begin working toward a college degree while still perusing a high school diploma. Our
students have taken advantage of this program at Georgia Southwestern State University and Columbus State
University.
Georgia Work Ready Program Testing: The Work Ready assessment is administered by ACT's nationally accredited
WorkKeys® system and measures both core skills and work habits. Core skills assessments measure skills in applied
mathematics, reading for information and locating information, three skills that are highly important to the majority of
jobs in the workplace. “Gold” indicates a minimum score of five in all three areas. “Platinum,” offered only in the state
of Georgia, indicates a minimum score of six in all three core areas and signals to employers that you are ready for 95
percent of jobs in the state. (from www.gaworkready.org)
Golden Apple Teacher Award: All teachers play a very important role in the lives of students and rarely do students
have the opportunity to honor these teachers. Each senior is encouraged to tell his or her special teacher how
important they have been in their lives. Tonight, each 2012 Honor Graduate has been asked to identify his/her
“Golden Apple Teacher”. This teacher could be a current teacher, a teacher from earlier grades or any other certified
personnel. This is the 10th year in providing this opportunity.
Governor’s Honors: The Governor's Honors Program is a six-week summer instructional program designed to provide
intellectually gifted and artistically talented high school students challenging and enriching educational opportunities
not usually available during the regular school year. Activities are designed to provide each participant with
opportunities to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes to become independent, life-long learners. (from the GHP
website at www.doe.k12.ga.us)
Honors Academy: Marion County High School’s Honors Academy is in its first year. Students must take 4
honors/AP/Accel courses per year to qualify as an Honors Academy student. Honors Academy courses provide
increased rigor and acceleration for students who desire more of a challenge in the classroom.
HOPE Scholarship Candidates: The HOPE Scholarship is awarded in honor of academic achievement and
performance in high school. By the authority of Gov. Nathan Deal, Marion County High has 31 students whose names
appear on the 2012 Preliminary HOPE Scholar qualification list. These scholarships are valued at about $14,000 over
the course of a student’s college. Please note that the requirements have changed. Some students will receive “full”
scholarships, and some will receive 90%, based on state-mandated standards.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Ambassador: Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) seminars are
designed to prepare Georgia’s high school sophomores to become effective, ethical leaders in their homes, schools,
workplaces and communities.
Joint Enrollment: Students who are “joint enrolled” take college courses in addition to a full day of high school
coursework. This may be done at a local college—either 4-year, 2-year, or technical.
Junior Class Marshals and Ushers: Juniors with the top 20 grade point averages are selected to be the Marion County
High Junior Ushers. The male and female juniors with the highest respective GPAs are named MCHS Junior Marshals.
These students assist at the awards program and graduation service. This is an honor for these students and serves as
recognition for their hard work.
LEDA Scholars: The Leadership Enterprise for a Diverse America is a national non-profit organization that recognizes
and develops the academic and leadership potential of students who are underrepresented in the nation’s top colleges
and universities. For more information, visit www.ledascholars.org.
L. King Moss Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is presented each year to a deserving graduate in loving memory
of Mr. L. K. (King) Moss. Mr. Moss was a teacher, superintendent, adviser, community and church leader who devoted
more than 40 years to the educational system in our area. His desire was for the best educational opportunities possible
for all students. His dedication to the education of Marion County students will forever be remembered. This
scholarship is in the amount of $500.
Literary Competition: The Literary Competitive Events are sponsored by the Georgia High School Association.
Students compete in various areas: girls’/boys’ essay, girls’/boys’ extemporaneous speaking, girls’/boys’ dramatic
interpretation, girls’/boys’ solo, girls’ trio and boys’ quartet.
National Society of High School Scholars: This organization recognizes academic excellence at the high school level
and encourages members to apply their unique talents, vision, and potential for the betterment of themselves and the
world. Students who join have access to scholarship opportunities, academic competitions, and members-only
resources and publications.
Senior Beta Club: The National Beta Club promotes character, leadership, and scholarship. Their motto is “Let us
lead by serving others.” Beta members are chosen based on grade point average and course of study. Senior members
of the organization receive honor cords to wear with their cap and gown at graduation.
Senior Superlatives: It is a very distinguished honor to be named a Marion County High Senior Superlative. Seniors
receiving this honor are selected by the faculty of MCMHS. Criteria for the selection process include excelling in
academics, involvement in extra curricular activities, community/civic involvement and exemplary character.
Spirit of Athletes for a Better World Dooley Award: This is a worldwide organization whose goal is to change the
culture of sports by developing individual character, teamwork, and civic responsibility through commitment to the
Code for Living set forth by the organization. Part of the motto for this organization is “Winning More Than the
Game.” This year, two students were nominated for a scholarship created in honor of Vince Dooley.
Straight “A” Honor Roll Award: This award honors students who have maintained honor roll status (90 and above in
every subject) for the first 27 weeks of the school year. This year, there were 31 students in grades 9-12 who maintained
Straight “A” Honor Roll Status. These students, and their parents, were honored at a special awards banquet recently
where they received a certificate from President Obama.
Student Council: Student Council is an important part of life at MCHS. This student government body is comprised
of representatives from the entire student body. Tonight each member will receive a special certificate and Student
Council pin for his/her leadership. This year’s council has been active in carrying out various projects for the school.
The United States Armed Forces: The Army and Marines are offering scholarships to MCHS students this year.
University of Georgia Certificate of Merit: This special certificate of recognition is presented by the University of
Georgia to outstanding juniors who are in the top 5% of their class. This certificate is given in recognition of their hard
work and achievement.
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award: This award is given each year to one male and one female for their excellence
in the area of academics which includes their GPA and SAT scores. Students are selected in the spring of their junior
year based on their class ranking, their accomplishments in athletics as well as in student organizations.